Is that island shaped like a cedar tree?

We were forwarded an email yesterday with news that Noor International Holding, a Beirut-based construction company, plans to present a project named Lebanon’s Cedar Island to Lebanese officials. We’re not joking. We had to do some research to verify it. There was an article in Zawya about it, but we still couldn’t believe it.

Sadly, and laughably, it’s true. The construction company has already created a website for this monstrosity. And yes, it’ll be shaped like cedar.

And why not? If Dubai has more than one palm shaped island, why shouldn’t Lebanon have one cedar-shaped one? Because it’s environmentally detrimental? Because Lebanon isn’t short of coastlines? Because the country has natural attractions and doesn’t need to use Dubai’s over-the-top antics to attract attention?

Thank you so much! we are trying to fight this monstrosity, we don’t need any artificial islands, we have all the attractions for the tourists, we just need security and peace in the country to boost the economy with ENCOURAGING economical laws and facilitations!

this is a disaster! look us up on facebook, we created a cause to gather forces and get enough research and documents to submit it to the UNEP (United Nations Environment Program) as Lebanon is a member of its “Mediterranean Action Plan” to fight pollution to preserve the Mediterranean sea, and it is by international law held liable for any damage!

If any one could pitch in and help us fight this massacre on all levels (ecological, economical, real estate will fly high making it impossible for the average lebanese to own or rent a house in LEBANON!…)

Sorry it’s a long comment, we just want to be heard!

Baha'a Chehab on January 29, 2009 1:17 pm

At first glance, it’s something really interesting and beautiful for the inexperienced person (like myself).

Thanks for pointing out the flaws!

Joseph on January 29, 2009 1:41 pm

DOnt worry!!!!
It took them 3 years to rebuild a 50 m vitalizing bridge in Lebanon. The project will never get Born.

Jean LeBaron on January 29, 2009 8:08 pm

Horrendous project… it is:

distasteful
tacky
unimaginative
environmentally unfriendly
an eye sore
a private development on public space : THE SEA IS FOR EVERYONE

Malek Moubasher on January 30, 2009 12:04 am

different parties will keep debating for ever who will get what of it

Zeina on January 31, 2009 7:53 pm

Absolutely true. We dont need this ugly monster on our shores, enough pollution and enough destroying our ecosystem.
Besides, who are the people that are going to buy properties there??
It’s not you, and FOR SURE it’s not me!
Not only our land is sold to foreigners, now they want to sell our sea as well.

nader on February 7, 2009 10:39 pm

cedar island is very nice project
and will create 50000 jobs for lebanese people